Senior Automotive Engineer - Metal Stamping - Base Salary to 160k/year - Detroit, MI

• Our client, a national leader in automotive stamping, is seeking a Senior Automotive Engineer to help identify new business opportunities, while guiding customers through manufacturability and cost-optimization decisions.

• In this role, the Senior Automotive Engineer will collaborate internally to deliver competitive proposals & long-term strategic value. Ideal candidates will have deep technical acumen related to metal stamping and stamping tool development.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary technical interface for OEM and Tier 1 customers, ensuring alignment on program requirements, feasibility, and timelines.

• Identify, target, and secure new business opportunities in cold formed components, extruded metals, and engineered fastener solutions.

• Lead technical discussions and presentations to support quoting, fastener selection, cost modeling, and value-engineering initiatives.

• Provide guidance on fastening strategies, torque-tension requirements, joint analysis, and application-specific fastener performance considerations.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Tooling, Operations, and Quality teams to translate customer requirements into manufacturable, cost-effective solutions.

• Manage and grow key accounts through proactive communication, issue resolution, technical guidance, and long-term planning.

• Support RFQ and quotation processes, including pricing development, cost breakdowns, timing, and commercial negotiations for cold formed parts, extrusions, and fastener products.

• Monitor industry trends, competitor technologies, and material/commodity factors to advise leadership on risks and opportunities.

• Participate in PPAP, APQP, launch activities, and technical reviews to ensure customer satisfaction and program success.

• Maintain accurate forecasting, sales pipeline updates, and CRM entries.

• Represent the company at customer visits, technical reviews, industry shows, and supplier days.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field; equivalent industry experience accepted.

• 7+ years of experience in automotive sales engineering, applications engineering, or technical account management.

• Direct experience with cold forming, cold heading, metal extrusion, and automotive fastener solutions strongly preferred.

• Proficiency in fastener fundamentals, including materials, coatings, torque specifications, joint design, and failure analysis.

• Strong knowledge of automotive product development cycles, PPAP/APQP, and OEM/Tier 1 expectations.

• Demonstrated success in customer engagement, technical presentations, and commercial negotiations.

• Ability to interpret engineering prints, GD&T, material specifications, and process capability data.

• Willingness to travel to customer locations, suppliers, and company sites as required

Compensation:

• Compensation for this role is comprised of a base salary up to 160k/year, plus an annual bonus. Our client also offers comprehensive health benefits and 401k with a company match.

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